By TDTM
The Chief Press Secretary to Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, Mr. Christian Aburime, has received the National Excellence Award in Strategic Communication and Public Service.
Aburime received the recognition at the 10th National Leadership Integrity and Development Summit and Awards 2026, held at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja.
The event was organised by the Centre for Ethical Conduct Orientation and Empowerment (CECOE) in partnership with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN).
The summit, held as part of activities commemorating Nigeria’s 66th anniversary, was themed: “Making Nigeria Work Through Trusted Leadership, Working Institutions, Economic Growth, Sustainable Development and National Security.”
Aburime, who was represented at the ceremony by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media Productions, Mr. Ejike Abana, dedicated the award to Governor Soludo and the people of Anambra State.
He expressed appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an encouragement to continue promoting effective communication, public service and responsible leadership.
The summit featured panel discussions and keynote addresses by prominent public figures and development experts, who examined the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria.
The Executive Director of CECOE, Dr. Owah David, opened the discussions by examining what it would take to make Nigeria work. He noted that the aspiration reflected the foundational ideals behind the country’s independence and stressed that national progress required deliberate action rather than mere wishes.
The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, emphasised the importance of building strong institutions alongside capable leadership.
Olowo noted that sustainable development must go beyond individual leadership and include measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
He also called for transparency and accountability to become part of everyday governance rather than practices reserved for special occasions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Rt. Hon. Leke Abejide, who co-chaired the event, spoke on the theme, “Making Nigeria Work: Leadership, Institutions and Citizens; Our Collective Responsibility.”
Abejide said national development required comprehensive reforms as well as a fundamental change in citizens’ attitudes and participation in nation-building.
He commended some of the reforms of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the reallocation of resources towards productive sectors.
According to him, the reforms are positioning Nigeria for increased manufacturing activities and greater foreign direct investment.
The summit ended with renewed calls for accountable leadership, stronger institutions, economic growth and collective responsibility in building a more prosperous Nigeria.
Tags: Christian Aburime, Chukwuma Soludo, Anambra State, Strategic Communication, Public Service, CECOE, FRCN, National Excellence Award, Nigeria 66th Anniversary, Bola Tinubu
